Jean Matsumoto Targets Matchup Against Raul Rosas Jr. at Noche UFC

Jean Matsumoto wants Raul Rosas Jr. for his sophomore Ultimate Fighting Championship outing after a successful debut against Dan Argueta.

Matsumoto submitted Argueta in a second-round buzzer beater at UFC Fight Night 240, scoring his third career submission via guillotine choke. While Matsumoto admits that the empty Apex was good to start off his promotional journey, the Brazilian believes he’s even better with a crowd in attendance. Matsumoto called for a spot on the UFC’s card scheduled for Mexican Independence Day on Sept. 14 at The Sphere in Las Vegas.

“Actually, fighting here was better because of no pressure, since it was my debut,” Matsumoto said during a post-fight media scrum. "But honestly, I’m a better fighter with the crowd, and I’m willing to fight in front of the crowd. And I heard there is a huge event coming to Vegas at The Sphere, Mexican Independence Day, and I’d love to be part of that show.”

Matsumoto also has a Mexican opponent in mind: the 19-year-old Rosas Jr., who is quite likely to be a part of the card.

“Well, for that card there’s Raul Rosas Jr. He’s a Mexican guy, really good fighter, very tough guy,” Matsumoto said. “And I would like to fight him. Could be three rounds, five rounds. I don’t care. I will fight him there.”

Matsumoto expects he would see plenty of wrestling from Rosas Jr., though maybe not as much as he encountered against Argueta.

“I believe he’s gonna try to take me down like Argueta did. But maybe not as much because his strikes are a little bit better than Argueta,” Matsumoto said. “But if he makes 135, let’s do it, let’s go. I believe it would be really good fight for the UFC to promote because I’m [an] undefeated guy, and he had lot of hype behind him. So if everybody agrees I’m ready to go, just call me.”

Matsumoto is currently undefeated in 15 professional outings, which includes nine finishes. Meanwhile, Rosas Jr. last fought in September 2023, when he knocked out Terrence Mitchell in under a minute to bounce back from his lone career loss. Rosas Jr. was then scheduled to meet Ricky Turcios at UFC Mexico City this past February but pulled out at the last minute due to a sudden bout of illness.